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<h1 class="center"><img src="Pictures/Flags&Names/peru_icon.gif" width="200" height="100" align="center" /></h1>
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<h2 class="center"><img src="Pictures/Flags&Names/peru-flag.jpg" width="330" height="250" align="left"/>Peru's incredibly rich and compelling archaeological heritage and its great natural beauty, remarkable even in a continent renowned for its exotic vistas, draw tens of thousands of visitors each year</h2>
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<h3 class="center">Location, Language and Capital</h3>
<p class="center">Peru, in western South America, extends for nearly 1,500 mi (2,414 km) along the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and Ecuador are to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Five-sixths the size of Alaska, Peru is divided by the Andes Mountains into three sharply differentiated zones. To the west is the coastline, much of it arid, extending 50 to 100 mi (80 to 160 km) inland. The mountain area, with peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m), lofty plateaus, and deep valleys, lies centrally. Beyond the mountains to the east is the heavily forested slope leading to the Amazonian plains. The capital of Peru is Lima and is known as the city of kings. Located on the central coast, or costa,of Peru, the city is only about eight miles from the sea and serviced by the port of Callao, an important consideration then and now.

Lima now is a city populated with people of many nations and ethnic backgrounds. The population is swollen with people leaving the mountains, sierra, and the amazon rain forest, selva, areas looking for a better life in the capital. This leads to ever growing shantytowns ringing the capital. These pueblos jóvenes or young towns, pollution, heavy traffic, poverty and other unsavory features are what a visitor often sees first on a visit to Lima, and is a most off-putting feature. Add the city’s turbulent political history of the 1980’s and 1990’s, the prevalent foggy condition known as garúa that hangs for months over the city, and Lima can appear to be a place to avoid.

<p class="center">But the visitor who doesn’t rush through the city on the way to other regions and attractions of Peru, who takes a few days to visit the city’s cultural and historical aspects will learn much about Peru as a whole.Behind baroque facades and elaborate gates, courtyards and palaces added grace to colonial life. Balconies and exterior decoration beautify the facades. Though much of Lima was destroyed by earthquakes over the years, many of the colonial buildings built around the original city center, now the center of Colonial Lima, survived. This area is now a UNESCO Mankind Heritage Site. The official language of Peru is Spanish.</p>
<h4 class="center">Climate</h4>
<p class="center">Lima is a desert city, and you’d expect it to be dry and sunny. It does have bright sunshine from December to May, summer to the beginning of fall, but during the rest of the year, you can expect gray, cloudy skies. Not from rain, but from the coastal mist called the garúa that blankets the city and the coast, closing in the humidity. Year-round, the temperatures are mild and spring-like. Air conditioning isn’t needed and you’ll need a light jacket for the evening. A pleasant side benefit of this climate is the absence of most flying insects. As you climb up the desert floor into the foothills of the Andes, you’ll find sun.</p>
<h3 class="center">Society & Culture</h3>
<h4 class="center">Religion</h4>
<p class="center">The Peruvian government is closely allied with the Catholic Church. Article 50 of the Constitution recognizes the Catholic Church's role as "an important element in the historical, cultural, and moral development of the nation." The Catholic Church receives preferential treatment in education, tax benefits, immigration of religious workers, and other areas, in accordance with the agreement.So Christianity could be considered the main religion of Peru. Catholicism is the only religion taught in public schools. In addition, Catholic religious symbols are found in all government buildings and public places. </p>
<h4 class="center">The Role of the Family</h4>
<p class="center"> The family takes centre stage in the social structure. It acts as a source of support and advice and therefore great loyalty is shown to families. Although extended families rarely live under one roof, apart from in rural areas, many are still live very close and frequent one another's houses often. It is still common for children remain at home until they marry. The elderly are generally revered for their age and experience. </p>
<h4 class="center">Cuisine</h4>
<p class="center">Peru is known for their spiced food and seafood. Dining out is one of the finest aspects of a visit to Lima. Whether it's the local comida criolla (spiced meats, seafood, or poultry) or international cuisine, Lima's many restaurants serve an excellent repast. Cebicherias, small restaurants specializing in fresh seafood-are especially popular.</p>
<h3 class="center">Plan your trip to Peru</h3>
<p class="center">Domestic and international flights arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport, about 20 minutes from downtown. Check flights from your area. Getting around Peru by bus is a favored travel option, and buses run to and from Lima north and south on the Carretera Panamericana, the Pan American highway. Each bus company operates its own terminal. It’s a good idea to get your tickets in advance, without your luggage, then arrive at the terminal just before departure. Long distance buses have reclining seats. Public (yellow) cabs do not have meters. Negotiate the fare before setting off. Private cabs are more reliable. Use the taxis usually parked in front of your hotel. </p>
<p class="center"> Most tourists go to Peru from June to August, which is the dry season in the highlands. During the summer months, Peruvians flock to the beaches, but pollution is a problem. If you plan your visit to participate in festivals and fiestas, you’ll be there in:
February – March for Carnaval
June 24 – Inti Raymi
July 28 - Independence Day
November 2 – Dia de Todos los Santos
November 5 – Puno Day
Whether you're into jazz, criollo, Latin, or rock music, you'll find it, along with discos of every flavor. The best after-dark scenes are in Miraflores and particularly Barranco. </p>
<p class="center">Safety Tips: Theft is always a problem in any city and Lima is no exception. Take care of your possessions. Don't wear a valuable watch or jewelry in public. Leave your valuables in the hotel safe. Hold your camera close to your body. Take only small amounts of money and credit cards on outings. Never leave your luggage unattended.
    Do business only with reputable businesses indoors and get a receipt for tours, etc.
    Have absolutely nothing to do with drugs. Do not accept drinks, cigarettes or food from strangers. If you're clubbing, buy and pick up your drinks from the bar yourself. </p>



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<h1 class="center"><img src="Pictures/Flags&Names/CR.gif" width="200" height="100" align="center" /></h1>
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<h2 class="center"><img src="Pictures/Flags&Names/CostaRica-Flag.jpeg" width="330" height="230" align="left"/>Costa Ricans define themselves as unique and different from their neighboring countries. Costa Rica is noted more for its natural beauty and friendly people than for its culture</h2>
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<h3 class="center">Location, Language and Capital</h3>
<p class="center">This Central American country lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its area slightly exceeds that of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has a narrow Pacific coastal region. Cocos Island (10 sq mi; 26 sq km), about 300 mi (483 km) off the Pacific Coast, is under Costa Rican sovereignty. The province of San José is the most populated of Costa Rica's seven provinces and is the seat of the nation's capital, the city of San José. Costa Rica's official and predominant language is Spanish</p>
<h4 class="center">Climate</4>
<p class="center">Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country, situated between 8° and 11° North latitude, fairly close to the equator. Although in the mountains above 2000 meters you get much cooler temperatures, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 21.7°C (71°F) and 27°C (81°F). The coolest months are from November through January, and the warmest from March through May. The nation's climate is classically divided into two major seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season runs from January through May and the rainy season from May to November and December.</p>
<h3 class="center">Society & Culture</h3>
<h4 class="center">Society</h4>
<p class="center">Costa Ricans, as people in other countries, are caught between old cultural forces and new ones that influence especially its young inhabitants. Ticos as a whole still respect conservative values, but they're starting to adopt several American cultural traits. Even then, Costa Ricans still possess a unique identity that distinguishes them from other places and even from their neighboring countries.

Ticos are pretty homogeneous racially and culturally speaking, since only 1% of their population is considered to be Indian, and the other Black and Chinese minorities aren't very numerous. A traveler going through Latin America will notice the Ticos's relative "whiteness" when compared to the people of other places. Ticos also have a very high level of education, and the literacy rate is 96%.

Costa Ricans are still conservative when it comes to family issues. Even though the amount of single-mother families is extremely high, family ties are still very strong even in these types of households. Traditions revolve around the family from the moment of birth to that of death. Also, most Costa Ricans still live at home until they are married, and leaving the household to go to college or to gain independence is still very rare.
Traditions are also shaped by gender differences and the "machismo" system. Men and women are expected to act differently from each other, and to respect their roles. A large proportion of Costa Rican women are professionals and hold important positions in both businesses and the government, but they still retain some traits that are traditional and conservative. </p>
<h4 class="center">Religion</h4>
<p class="center">By some estimates, over 90% of the country is Roman Catholic, at least in principle. In practice, most church attendance takes place at christenings, funerals and marriages. Blacks on the Caribbean coast tend to be Protestant, and there is a sprinkling of other denominations in San José, including a small Jewish community.</p>
<h4 class="center">Cuisine</h4>
<p class="center">Costa Rican cuisine is tasty rather than spicy-hot and is centered around beef, chicken and fish dishes, with rice, corn or beans and fresh fruit as supplements.</p>
<h3 class="center">Plan your trip to Costa Rica</h3>
<p class="center">Costa Rica is one of my favorite countries in the world. I love the never ending activities, gorgeous beaches, plethora of wildlife, food, and people. It may be well on the tourist trail and expensive by regional standards but that doesn’t make this country any less amazing.</p> 
<p class="center">Late April through November is considered the rainy season here and as a result, prices tend to be less expensive and beaches less crowded. Santa Theresa – At the bottom of the Nicoya coast is the hippy backpacker town of Santa Theresa. This “town” really nothing more than a beach with a road lined with eateries, surf shops, and hostels. Not much goes on here as everyone is up early to hit the waves. I liked that. It was a good place to just go, lay on the beach, hang out with people, and relax. It’s an easy place to fall into and spend weeks. Or like most people, months. Santa Theresa – At the bottom of the Nicoya coast is the hippy backpacker town of Santa Theresa. This “town” really nothing more than a beach with a road lined with eateries, surf shops, and hostels. Not much goes on here as everyone is up early to hit the waves. I liked that. It was a good place to just go, lay on the beach, hang out with people, and relax. It’s an easy place to fall into and spend weeks. Or like most people, months.Volcanoes – The volcanoes are among the country’s top tourist attractions, with many being located in national parks also offering kayaking, rafting and hiking. Arenal is famous for the lava coming down its side but as of 2010 that has stopped. There’s still beautiful trails nearby though. Irazu is known for its astonishing green blue lake that sits in one of its craters, while there is a boiling acid lake within a crater of the Poas Volcano. Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns. This is the place where ever takes vacations and in the main town, you’ll find very little cheap options. The pristine beaches, soaring temperatures and the famous national park all draw in hundreds of thousands of tourists per year, but add to that the fabulous diving, nightlife and sports fishing then it’s clear to see why tourists flock to the area. Accommodation and activities are quite expensive in the area but there are a couple of hostels offering reasonably priced dorm rooms. I really can’t say enough good things about this country. It’s a place I happily revisit.</p>


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